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RocketJSquirrel
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Southbound check opned at San Ysidro/EL Chapparell
Any further news? This was noted on the Punta Banda Newsletter a few days ago:
https://groups.io/g/puntabandanewsletter/topic/u_s_check_at_...
Not sure if you have to be subscribed so I will copy and paste below:
A local resident (American, retired) of Punta Banda went through the San Ysidro / Chapparal border this week, coming into Mexico. The new U.S.
outgoing inspection stations were operating, which slowed traffic into Mexico considerably. She was flagged and had to undergo a search of her
vehicle and she was frisked. It took her 2 hours to get through the border. They were particularly interested in how much cash she was carrying
($2000 U.S.) + about 3000 pesos and treated her quite badly. Her message is to be sure to declare everything since the search was so absolutely
thorough. Also, you may need more time to pass through the border… she arrived at 4pm and finally left around 6 pm so had to drive home in the
dark. They were randomly checking cars, so it’s possible you won’t be pulled over, but this may be good information in case it happens to you.
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RocketJSquirrel
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I've never been asked if I wanted to "declare" anything before leaving the country. Any ideas on what might be required?
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Paco Facullo
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Mood: Abiding ..........
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Only thing that I'm sure of is IF you are carrying more that $10,000 worth of cash or other monitory instruments ..
Since I've given up all hope, I feel much better
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RocketJSquirrel
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Haven't had that problem lately...
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BornFisher
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Went through Wednesday around noon, and there was no one in the booths. Hummmmmm
"When you catch a fish, you open the door of happiness."
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Don Pisto
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Mood: weary like everyone else
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time to start using Otay
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Alan
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They have been doing southbound checks for years sporadically. Doesn't sound like this is anything new. I've been told that with changes in our new
dollar bills and scanners they possess they have a pretty good idea how much money you are carrying before they even ask.
In Memory of E-57
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BajaBlanca
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I once took the bus from San Diego to TJ and we were stopped at the border and everyone on the bus was questioned as to what we were bringing into
Mexico and how much money we had. This was years ago.
When asked if I had $10,000 dollars or more, I looked her in the eye and answered I WISH.
One can bring any amount of cash but it indeed must be declared if higher than US$9,999.99. That is what I understand and it is valid for all foreign
travel.
A very good friend of ours was arrested when he was stopped at a regular checkpoint in Baja and they saw his over $10,000 cash. I don't remember the
details on how he got out but it did take a couple days.
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Bajazly
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It may be very well technically legal to carry 10k or less in cash but in this day and age of civil forfeiture laws, there is a good chance they will
liberate your cash from you if it’s over a few thousand dollars and getting it back could be a huge PITA. They don’t ever have to charge you but
see the cash as committing the crime so they just keep it.
Believing is religion - Knowing is science
Harald Pietschmann
"Get off the beaten path and memories, friends and new techniques are developed"
Bajazly, August 2019
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AKgringo
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If I was carrying $10,000. I wouldn't blame a border guy for wondering what a semi-scruffy old man in a twenty year old car was
doing with ten grand!
[Edited on 2-28-2020 by AKgringo]
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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BobbyC
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Quote: Originally posted by lencho  | Is this
happening with federal law enforcement? I've heard scary stories at the state and local level...   |
Yes
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/feds-seize-41000-from-texa...
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RocketJSquirrel
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Civil forfeiture has been a real problem for years:
https://reason.com/2014/09/24/the-civil-asset-forfeiture-rac...
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John Harper
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Some local governments fund services with seized assets. I think there's a big movement now to correct this extrajudicial taking of property.
John
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Alm
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| Quote: Originally posted by Bajazly | | in this day and age of civil forfeiture laws, there is a good chance they will liberate your cash from you if it’s over a few thousand dollars and
getting it back could be a huge PITA. They don’t ever have to charge you but see the cash as committing the crime so they just keep it.
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They do have to charge you in order to seize your cash forever.
Otherwise the customs may keep it... temporarily... don't know for how long.
The nurse in that story with 41K cash didn't declare it, to begin with. They later offered to return the cash if she promises in written not to sue
them. A PITA, yes.
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Alm
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Cash >10K you may have but must declare. They are also looking (and find sometimes) weapons, drugs, stolen goods, fugitives, fake IDs.
Can happen on any crossing, they don't need a special booth to pull you over.
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RocketJSquirrel
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Southbound San Ysidro into Mexico was jam-packed and 805 was backed up a long long ways.
Took Otay into TJ instead - easy peasy. No queue at all. Might just start going that way even though it involves more in-town time for TJ.
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Don Pisto
Banned
Posts: 1282
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Location: El Pescador
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Mood: weary like everyone else
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| Quote: Originally posted by RocketJSquirrel | Southbound San Ysidro into Mexico was jam-packed and 805 was backed up a long long ways.
Took Otay into TJ instead - easy peasy. No queue at all. Might just start going that way even though it involves more in-town time for TJ.
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did you take Industrial to blvd2000 or the 2 to the free road?
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RocketJSquirrel
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No. Prefer the "scenic" route, thus the slog across town. I hate that Blvd 2000 drive. I am here to enjoy myself.
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BornFisher
Super Nomad
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| Quote: Originally posted by RocketJSquirrel | Southbound San Ysidro into Mexico was jam-packed and 805 was backed up a long long ways.
Took Otay into TJ instead - easy peasy. No queue at all. Might just start going that way even though it involves more in-town time for TJ.
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Wondering what day and what time. SY southbound is always backed up in the afternoon on weekdays.
"When you catch a fish, you open the door of happiness."
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RocketJSquirrel
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That was about 8AM Saturday. Today.
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